Our writing still has a long way to go - CJ Obasi on Nollywood
Nollywood is the name given to the Nigerian film industry, which is one of the largest and most prolific in the world. According to some estimates, Nollywood produces more than 2000 films per year, reaching audiences across Africa and beyond. However, despite its popularity and cultural impact, Nollywood has also faced criticism for its low production quality, lack of originality, and poor storytelling.
One of the voices that has challenged the status quo of Nollywood is CJ Obasi, a filmmaker, writer, and director who has made a name for himself with his genre-bending and innovative films. Obasi is known for his horror, sci-fi, and fantasy films that explore themes such as identity, politics, religion, and social issues. Some of his notable works include Ojuju (2014), O-Town (2015), Hello, Rain (2018), and Mami Wata (2023).
In a recent interview with The Guardian, Obasi shared his views on the state of Nollywood and the challenges that he faces as a filmmaker. He said that one of the main problems that Nollywood suffers from is the lack of good writing. He argued that many filmmakers rely on clichés, stereotypes, and formulas that do not reflect the diversity and complexity of Nigerian society. He also said that many writers do not have enough training, experience, or exposure to different genres and styles of storytelling.
Tekedia Mini-MBA edition 16 (Feb 10 – May 3, 2025) opens registrations; register today for early bird discounts.
Tekedia AI in Business Masterclass opens registrations here.
Join Tekedia Capital Syndicate and invest in Africa’s finest startups here.
Obasi said that he believes that writing is the foundation of filmmaking, and that without good writing, there can be no good film. He said that he strives to write stories that are original, engaging, and meaningful, and that challenge the audience to think and feel. He also said that he hopes to inspire other filmmakers to improve their writing skills and to experiment with different genres and formats.
Obasi said that he is optimistic about the future of Nollywood, and that he sees a lot of potential and talent in the industry. He said that he thinks that Nollywood can become a global force in cinema if it invests more in writing and storytelling. He said that he wants to see more films that are diverse, creative, and authentic, and that reflect the realities and aspirations of Nigerians.
Uploaded files: